Digital Health Interventions for Psychosocial Distress (Anxiety and Depression) in Cancer

2021 ◽  
pp. 543-549
Author(s):  
Lisa Beatty ◽  
Haryana Dhillon
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Psychosocial Distress ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence Base

While therapist-administered psychological interventions for cancer-related distress are demonstrably effective, they have been limited by low uptake. Consequently, interest in digital health interventions for psychosocial distress in cancer has surged. This chapter outlines the current evidence base for digital health interventions for adults with cancer distress, covering (1) interventions that connect patients to one another, or to health care practitioners, and (2) patient online self-management. The chapter addresses the full treatment trajectory from diagnosis through survivorship, as well as advanced/palliative populations. While promising, this field faces notable limitations/challenges, and recommendations for future research and clinical translation are therefore discussed.

scholarly journals Fertility awareness based contraceptive apps: a case study in the digital age

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp19X703169
Author(s):  
Lara Shemtob ◽  
Rebecca Littlewood
Keyword(s):  
Digital Health ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Digital Age ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Fertility Awareness ◽  
The Public ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Robust Regulation

BackgroundFertility awareness based (FAB) contraceptive mobile applications (apps) rely on women logging their menstrual cycle data to predict non-fertile days. Paid social media advertisements for these apps have led to hundreds of thousands of downloads. This rapidly expanding market lacks quality assurance, reflective of wider issues surrounding innovation versus regulation of digital health interventions.AimTo present the results of a literature review carried out to bring together data on FAB contraceptive apps, to better understand the validity of evidence for their use as contraceptive methods. This is combined with context on the climate of advertising and regulation, to illustrate the challenges of innovation in the digital age.MethodDatabases Medline and Embase were searched according to the strategy: ‘fertility-based awareness AND app*’. Eight articles were included in the final thematic analysis.ResultsThis study found apps being used for contraception that were not developed for this purpose; apps inaccurately reporting reliability for preventing pregnancy; there is a need for further training for women using FAB contraceptive apps; and there are limitations of current evidence base and challenges to improving this. In the context of poor regulation and advertising loop holes there is significant risk of misleading users of FAB contraceptive apps.ConclusionThe limited evidence on FAB contraceptive apps should be applied to the public with caution. Incongruities between women’s understanding and expectations of FAB apps compared to reality demonstrate the need for robust regulation around paid advertising, issues echoed elsewhere with other digital health interventions.

Dementia friendly initiatives: A state of the science review

Dementia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1858-1895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine A Hebert ◽  
Kezia Scales
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Collaboration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
State Of The Science

Background Dementia friendly initiatives share similarities with the age-friendly movement in a focus on active engagement and creating a good quality of life for older adults. Dementia friendly initiatives offer a welcoming optimistic narrative in dementia studies by embracing dignity, empowerment, and autonomy to enable well-being throughout the dementia trajectory. Purpose The purpose of this review is to explore the current science of dementia friendly initiatives, identify gaps, and inform future research. Method Quantitative, qualitative, and conceptual/theoretical peer-reviewed dementia friendly research literature were evaluated for their current evidence base and theoretical underpinnings. Results The dementia friendly initiatives research base is primarily qualitative and descriptive focused on environmental design, dementia awareness and education, and the development of dementia friendly communities. Person-centered care principles appear in dementia friendly initiatives centered in care settings. Strong interdisciplinary collaboration is present. Research is needed to determine the effect of dementia friendly initiatives on stakeholder-driven and community-based outcomes. Due to the contextual nature of dementia, the perspective of persons with dementia should be included as dementia friendly initiatives are implemented. Theory-based studies are needed to confirm dementia friendly initiative components and support rigorous evaluation. Dementia friendly initiatives broaden the lens from which dementia is viewed.

Co-offending and Co-offender Selection

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah B. van Mastrigt
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Target Selection ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Theory ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Event Planning ◽  
Implicit And Explicit ◽  
Selection Of

A notable proportion of crime is committed in company, particularly during youth, but relatively little attention has been paid to the influence of co-offenders on criminal decision making. This chapter reviews current theory and research on co-offending as it relates to three aspects of offender decision making: the decision to (co)-offend, the selection of accomplices, and choices shaping the characteristics of the criminal event (planning, target selection, and seriousness). Both implicit and explicit decision making are considered, as well as situations in which the offense is premeditated and collaboration is explicitly sought after a plan has been made and situations in which the motivation to offend develops in a group of preformed individuals who become co-offenders by committing the act. The chapter concludes with a discussion of gaps in the current evidence base and directions for future research.

Short report: A quantitative methodological review of participant characteristics in the literature testing mental health interventions for youth with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110564
Author(s):  
Kelsey S Dickson ◽  
Megan Ledoux Galligan ◽  
Ho Lok
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
Treatment Research

There have been significant efforts to develop, adapt, and test interventions targeting the co-occurring mental health conditions common among autistic youth, with several extant narrative and systematic reviews demonstrating the efficacy of these interventions. Yet, a methodological analysis of the literature testing these interventions, particularly the characteristics of the participant samples comprising this evidence base, is needed to contextualize our current understanding of treatment effects and highlight current gaps in the current evidence base to inform future research. This systematic quantitative methodology review characterized participants included in the mental health treatment research for autistic youth. One hundred and thirty-one articles testing mental health interventions for autism spectrum disorder were coded for youth, caregiver, and provider participant demographics. Findings indicated limited representation of females, transition age youth, racial/ethnic minority groups, and youth diverse in cognitive functioning and co-occurring mental health symptoms or conditions. Limited inclusion of providers’ representative of the clinical workforce was also noted. These results illuminate several critical gaps in the current evidence base for mental health interventions for autistic youth and provide recommendations for future research directions. Lay abstract Previous research has highlighted the importance of mental health treatment for autistic youth. In that research base, most studies focus on demonstrating the efficacy of a particular intervention with a sample of autistic youth. However, understanding the characteristics of samples used within these studies (i.e. demographics) is an important avenue for expanding this research to a more diverse, representative sample of autistic youth in community settings. As such, the current review examined and characterized participants included within mental health treatment research. We coded studies for various demographics among the youth sample, caregivers, and providers participants. Results indicated that while efforts have been made to increase diversity in research, very few studies including transition-aged youth, those identifying as female, and/or those identifying as non-Caucasian. Clinically, a few studies included youth with lower cognitive abilities and/or those with specific mental health problems (e.g. trauma and depression) or more than one co-occurring mental health conditions. Overall, our results highlight several critical gaps in our current evidence base regarding mental health treatment for autistic youth, including the limited clinical representativeness of both provider and child participants.

A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Evidence for the Use of Lifestyle Planning in People with Learning Disabilities

1999 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rowe ◽  
A. Rudkin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Current Evidence Base

Lifestyle planning (LP) for people with learning disabilities is largely supported by qualitative rather than quantitative research. LP is a time-consuming and potentially resource-intensive area of practice which is becoming more prevalent in the UK. We present the first systematic review of the qualitative evidence base for the use of LP in people with learning disabilities. Such evidence concerns the special characteristics of LP and its outcomes in descriptive rather than quantitative terms. Qualitative research is usually aimed at enhancing validity by grounding theory in data collected. Twenty-one studies passed eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review, but only ten provided any outcome data, the others being concerned with process only. A replicable search strategy was employed and the resulting original data sources were critically reviewed with respect to major concepts and categories in the areas of: planning process, choices and preferences, ethics and outcomes. Explicitly person-centred approaches such as essential lifestyle planning are contrasted with more service-led methods such as individual programme planning. There are major methodological limitations in much of the available literature and suggestions for future research to clarify matters are made. The current evidence base suggests that no form of LP has significantly better outcomes than any other form and that it is not clear if LP in general enhances outcomes. Ongoing use of person centred planning in particular is informed by ethical considerations and is evolving in its structure and function.

scholarly journals Lighting in the Home and Health: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 609
Author(s):  
Oluwapelumi Osibona ◽  
Bethlehem D. Solomon ◽  
Daniela Fecht
Keyword(s):  
Light Exposure ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Housing Quality ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Current Evidence Base ◽  
Specific Health

Poor housing is an important determinant of poor health. One key aspect of housing quality is lighting. Light is important for visual performance and safety, and also plays a vital role in regulating human physiological functions. This review aims to synthesise existing evidence on the relationship between lighting in the home and health and recommends areas for future research. Three databases were searched for relevant literature using pre-defined inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Extracted data were qualitatively synthesised according to type of lighting (natural light, artificial light and light at night) and stratified by broad health domains (physical, mental and sleep health). Of the 4043 records retrieved, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity in light exposure metrics used and specific health outcome assessed by the studies. Lighting in the home can negatively affect health but the current evidence base is limited to a small number of studies in different domains of light and health. Further research surrounding specific health outcomes is required to better inform housing quality assessments and lighting practises in the home.

scholarly journals Psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with an intellectual disability and/or autism: systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lauren A. Cameron ◽  
Katelyn Phillips ◽  
Glenn A. Melvin ◽  
Richard P. Hastings ◽  
Kylie M. Gray
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Young People ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Psychological Interventions ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Current Evidence Base

Background Children and young people with intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) experience higher rates of mental health problems, including depression, than their typically developing peers. Although international guidelines suggest psychological therapies as first-line intervention for children and young people, there is limited evidence for psychological therapy for depression in children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism. Aims To evaluate the current evidence base for psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism, and examine the experiences of children and young people with intellectual disability and/or autism, their families and therapists, in receiving and delivering psychological treatment for depression. Method Databases were searched up to 30 April 2020 using pre-defined search terms and criteria. Articles were independently screened and assessed for risk of bias. Data were synthesised and reported in a narrative review format. Results A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four identified studies were clinical case reports and six were quasi-experimental or experimental studies. All studies were assessed as being of moderate or high risk of bias. Participants with intellectual disability were included in four studies. There was limited data on the experiences of young people, their families or therapists in receiving or delivering psychological treatment for depression. Conclusions Well-designed, randomised controlled trials are critical to develop an evidence base for psychological treatment for young people with intellectual disability and/or autism with depression. Future research should evaluate the treatment experiences of young people, their families and therapists.

scholarly journals Evaluating traditional and complementary medicines: Where do we go from here?

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Wenxin Lin ◽  
Aparna Ananthakrishnan ◽  
Yot Teerawattananon
Keyword(s):  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Complementary Medicines ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Guidance Note ◽  
Current Evidence Base

Abstract Traditional and complementary medicines are increasingly considered possible options for prevention and symptomatic treatment of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. With renewed attention on these therapies from researchers and policy makers alike, the well-documented challenges of evaluating their safety and efficacy are once again of global concern. Between 2005 and 2018, the World Health Organization conducted a series of surveys, in which 88 percent of responding member states confirmed that their biggest challenge in traditional medicine was the need for technical guidance on research and evaluation. As a first step in pursuing this need, our commentary summarizes thirteen international and regional guidance documents by three broad categories on evaluating safety, efficacy, and product quality for market-based approval and distribution of these treatments. We highlight the paucity of updated international recommendations on these subjects and identify gaps that could inform the current evidence base. All available guidance note the need for evidence surrounding the efficacy of these treatments and practices but are also quick to caution against methodological difficulties in the conduct of such evaluations. Evidence suggests that improved evaluation methods on efficacy and effectiveness are crucial toward expanding future research into establishing the cost-effectiveness of these therapies, in the context of shifting acceptance, interest, and integration of traditional medicines into health systems, and as another step toward Universal Health Coverage.

scholarly journals Use and Evaluation of Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems for Early Detection of Sepsis in Hospitals: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Li ◽  
Khalia Ackermann ◽  
Jannah Baker ◽  
Johanna Westbrook
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Clinical Decision Support ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Current Evidence Base

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a leading cause of death in hospitals, with high associated costs for both patients and health care systems worldwide. Early detection followed by timely intervention is critical for successful sepsis management and, hence, can save lives. Health care institutions are increasingly leveraging clinical data captured in electronic health records for the development of <i>computerized clinical decision support</i> (CCDS) systems aimed at enhancing the early detection of sepsis. However, a comprehensive evidence base regarding sepsis CCDS systems to inform clinical practice, research, and policy is currently lacking. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to systematically describe studies reporting on the use and evaluation of CCDS systems for early detection of sepsis in hospitals. METHODS The methodology for conducting scoping reviews presented by the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) will be used and adapted as guides. A comprehensive literature search of 10 electronic databases will be conducted to identify all empirical quantitative and qualitative studies that investigate the use of CCDS systems for early detection of sepsis in hospitals. Detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria have been developed. Two reviewers will independently screen all articles based on these criteria. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion and further review by a third researcher if required. RESULTS Electronic database searches have retrieved 12,139 references after removing 10,051 duplicates. As of the submission date of this protocol, we have completed the title and abstract screening. A total of 372 references will be included for full-text screening. Only 15.9% (59/372) of these studies were focused on children: 11.0% (41/372) for pediatric and 4.8% (18/372) for neonatal patients. The scoping review and the manuscript will be completed by December 2020. CONCLUSIONS Results of this review will guide researchers in determining gaps and shortcomings in the current evidence base for CCDS system use and evaluation in the early detection of sepsis. The findings will be shared with key stakeholders in clinical care, research, policy, and patient advocacy. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/24899

scholarly journals Digital interventions for people living with non-communicable diseases in India: A systematic review of intervention studies and recommendations for future research and development

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 205520761989615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Mahbub Hossain ◽  
Samia Tasnim ◽  
Rachit Sharma ◽  
Abida Sultana ◽  
Araish Farzana Shaik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Digital Interventions

Background A high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is contributing to high mortality and morbidity in India. Recent advancements in digital health interventions, including mHealth, eHealth, and telemedicine, have facilitated patient-centered care for NCDs. Objective This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence on digital interventions for people living with NCDs in India and the outcomes of those interventions. Methods We adopted PRISMA guidelines and systematically reviewed articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Scopus databases with following criteria: journal articles presenting digital intervention(s) used by people with at least one of the NCDs, reporting health outcomes following the intervention, studies conducted in India among Indian population. Results Among 1669 articles retrieved from multiple sources, only 13 articles met our criteria. Most ( n = 7) studies were conducted in southern states of India; eight studies included patients with diabetes, followed by neuropsychiatric disorders and other NCDs. Five studies recruited participants from tertiary hospitals; six interventions used text-messaging for delivering health services, and 10 studies reported randomized controlled trials. All the studies reported positive health outcomes following the intervention, including better self-management, increased patient–provider communication, improved medication adherence, and reduced disease symptoms. Most studies scored moderate to high in quality assessment checklist of Downs and Black. Conclusion Current evidence suggests a low number of interventions with positive outcomes. Future research should explore avenues of advanced technologies ensuring equitable and sustainable development of digital health interventions for people living with NCDs in India.

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